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Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 18, No. 7, 990-1000 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732308318041

Is Ricoeur's Notion of Narrative Identity Useful in Understanding Recovery in Drug Addicts?

Olivier Taïeb

Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, Paris 13 University, Bobigny, France, olivier.taieb{at}avc.aphp.fr

Anne Révah-Lévy

Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, Paris 13 University, Bobigny, France

Marie Rose Moro

Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, Paris 13 University, Bobigny, France

Thierry Baubet

Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, Paris 13 University, Bobigny, France

From Ricoeur's narrative theory, we argue that drug addicts may particularly need the help of literature, in a broad sense— fiction, history, and also specialized literature on addiction—to make their lives intelligible, to construct their identities, and to be able to change. Their need for this popular and professional literature concerns the numerous theories in the field of addiction. This literature is encountered indirectly by patients via interaction with professionals. It reflects attempts on the part of practitioners to find turning points in their patients' life stories, as in the mimesis circle described by Ricoeur. Our hypothesis is therefore explored in the light of certain sociological and psychiatric models that plot patients' lives, especially in the recovery period. The risks of a noncritical appropriation of this literature are discussed. Indeed, patients may hesitate between several identification models, loss of identity, and identity withdrawal.

Key Words: Ricoeur • substance use • addictions • recovery • stories


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